The insect world becomes a metaphor for the depravity and decadence of the upper class in this visually enticing period drama, set at the height of British colonialism. William, a penniless entomologist, falls in love with the eldest daughter of Sir Alabaster, an aristocrat who has offered the young man a position as his assistant. In spite of William's low social status and lack of funds, he and Eugenia are eventually married, and several children are born. One day, William discovers that his wife has a shocking secret, and his life will never be the same.

In this sexually charged Victorian drama, based on a novella by A. S. Byatt, Mark Rylance plays William Adamson, a naturalist who has just arrived back in England after a long stay in the Amazon, where he studied insects. He has lost nearly all his worldly possessions in a terrible shipwreck, but is offered an assistant position at the country estate of a wealthy aristocrat (and fellow entomologist), Sir Harold Alabaster. William soon grows enamored of the languid Eugenia (Patsy Kensit), Alabaster's lovely but distant oldest daughter, who is mourning her fiancé's recent death. Although Eugenia's arrogant brother, Edgar, disapproves of the match, William and Eugenia marry and over the years have a number of children. Also staying with the Alabasters is an educated but poor distant relative (played by Kristin Scott Thomas), who plays a vital role in the shocking drama that unfolds when William discovers a dark, illicit family secret involving his wife, Edgar, and Eugenia's dead lover. The acclaimed second film by director Philip Haas, ANGELS & INSECTS is a lavish period piece incorporating original costumes and opulent imagery.

ANGELS & INSECTS was shown in competition at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival and released theatrically in New York City on January 26, 1996. The film grossed an angelic $3.1 million domestically.

Based on A.S. Byatt's novella MORPHO EUGENIA.

The film is a PBS/American Playhouse presentation.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Single Side - Dual Layer
Audio:
Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 - English
Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 - Spanish
Additional Release Material:
Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer

Patsy Kensit: British Actress
Mark Rylance: American Actor/In UK
Kristin Scott Thomas: British Actress
Jeremy Kemp: British Actor
Douglas Henshall: British TV/Film Actor

Philip Haas: American Director/Filmmaker

"...Philip Haas' erotic and haunting film of A.S. Byatt's novella is a discovery well worth making..."
"....Its colors are so vibrant and its costuming so original that both should be seen in theaters..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars
"...[A] fabulously, weirdly dirty film..." -- Rating: B+
"...ANGELS AND INSECTS meticulously elaborates images and scenes of striking beauty and crawly horror..."
"...Mesmerizingly bizarre....The tale weaves complex, unnerving parallels between human life and the more sinister mysteries of nature..."
"...ANGELS is an intriguing film with a great deal to recommend it....ANGELS is physically remarkable and well-acted, especially by the always impressive Kristin Scott Thomas..."